Printer apparatus including paper medium including backing strip and adhesive label affixed thereto

ABSTRACT

A printer apparatus includes a wearable housing and a paper medium disposed therein, the paper medium including an adhesive label and a backing strip to which the adhesive label is affixed. The adhesive label includes first, second, and third portions affixed to the backing strip, wherein each of the first, second, and third portions is permitted to be peeled off from the backing strip while the others of the first, second, and third portions remain affixed to the backing strip.

This application is a continuation of prior U.S. application Ser. No.12/752,625, filed on Apr. 1, 2010.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic illustration of a system according to anexemplary embodiment, the system including an agent services module thatincludes a printer, a card reader, and a portable computing device.

FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic illustration of an exemplary softwarearchitecture for the system of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 3A is a diagrammatic illustration of at least a portion of thesystem of FIG. 1 according to an exemplary embodiment, the portion beingcontrolled by a ticket agent and including the portable computingdevice, the card reader, and the printer.

FIG. 3B is a screenshot from the user interface of the portablecomputing device, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 3C is another screenshot from the user interface of the portablecomputing device, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 3D is yet another screenshot from the portable computing device,according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 3E is still yet another screenshot from the user interface of theportable computing device, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic illustration of the printer of FIG. 3A and aunitary printout created by the printer, according to an exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustration of a passenger and baggage handlingprocess conducted using the system of FIG. 1 and the ticket agent ofFIG. 3 , according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic illustration of at least a portion of thesystem of FIG. 1 according to an exemplary embodiment, the portion beingcontrolled by a baggage agent, and including the portable computingdevice, the card reader, and the printer.

FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic illustration of the printer of FIG. 6 and aunitary printout created by the printer, according to an exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustration of a passenger and baggage handlingprocess conducted using the system of FIG. 1 and the baggage agent ofFIG. 6 , according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a diagrammatic illustration of the communication between thedifferent components of the system of FIG. 1 during the process of FIG.8 , according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic illustration of a node for implementing one ormore exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 1 , a system forprocessing passengers and baggage associated with the passengers isgenerally referred to by the reference numeral 10 and includes an agentservices module 12 operably coupled to, and in communication with, anapplication server module 14. The agent module 12 includes an agentapplication 16, a portable printer 18, a card reader 20, and a handheldor portable computing device 21. The application server module 14includes an agent web service 22 and a connection service 24. A datasource 26 is operably coupled to, and in communication with, theapplication server module 14. A service module 28 is also operablycoupled to, and in communication with, the application server module 14.The service module 28 includes a data web service 30 and a check-inservice 32. The service module 28 is also operably coupled to, and incommunication with, the data source 26.

In several exemplary embodiments, one or more of the agent servicesmodule 12, the application server module 14, the data source 26, and theservice module 28 are in two-way communication, one-way communication,and/or in wireless communication. In several exemplary embodiments, theagent services module 12, the application server module 14, the datasource 26, and the service module 28 are in communication via a network,such as, for example, the Internet, any type of local area network, anytype of wide area network, any type of voice network, any type of datanetwork, and/or any combination thereof.

In several exemplary embodiments, the agent services module 12, theapplication server module 14, the data source 26, and the service module28 include a computer readable medium or memory having a plurality ofinstructions stored therein, which instructions are accessible to, andexecutable by, a processor. In several exemplary embodiments, one ormore of the agent services module 12, the application server module 14,the data source 26, and the service module 28 include one or more datastructures or databases, which databases are accessible to a processor.In several exemplary embodiments, the agent services module 12, theapplication server module 14, the data source 26, and the service module28 include a processor, a computer readable medium or memory operablycoupled to the processor, a plurality of instructions stored in thecomputer readable medium and accessible to, and executable by, theprocessor, and one or more data structures or databases stored in thecomputer readable medium and accessible to the processor.

The data source 26 provides data collection and management functionalityin the system 10. The data source 26 collects and stores data frommultiple sources and provides this data to the application server module14 and the service module 28. In several exemplary embodiments, the datacollected by the data source 26 includes passenger, ticketing, andflight data that include one or more of the following: passenger names,passport information, visa information, passenger billing information,passenger security information, passenger connections, stand-byinformation, travel times, gate assignments, upgrade availabilities,seat availabilities, vehicle load factors, baggage counts, and messages.In an exemplary embodiment, the data source 26 is accessible to any ofthe agent services module 12, the application server module 14, and theservice module 28.

In some exemplary embodiments, updates to the agent services module 12are pushed to one or more of the data source 26, the application servermodule 14, and the service module 28. In several exemplary embodiments,the application server module 14 sends and receives travel data from thedata source 26 at regular intervals so that the application servermodule 14 and the data source 26 are updated and synchronized in nearreal-time. In several exemplary embodiments, the data source 26 mayreceive updates from external applications in communication with thedata source 26. In several exemplary embodiments, the application servermodule 14 receives data from the agent application 16 stored in theagent services module 12 and updates the data source 26 according to thereceived data.

In several exemplary embodiments, the data source 26 is a lightweightdirectory access protocol for querying and modifying data usingdirectory service running over TCP/IP and/or an Oracle database. Inseveral exemplary embodiments, the check-in service 32 is a computerreservation system used by an airline, railway, hotel, or travel agents,such as Sabre. In several exemplary embodiments, the data web service 30is a service that manages and provides data associated with travelroutes.

In an exemplary embodiment, the printer 18 is a lightweight portablelabel printer that is associated with a paper medium such as, forexample, an adhesive label and a backing strip to which the adhesivelabel is affixed. In several exemplary embodiments, instead of, or inaddition to a backing strip and an adhesive label affixed thereto, theprinter 18 is associated with another paper medium such as, for example,printer paper, copier paper, thermal paper, and/or any combinationthereof.

In several exemplary embodiments, the printer 18 includes the cardreader 20, which, in turn, includes a magnetic stripe scanner. In anexemplary embodiment, the printer 18 is a Datamax-O'Neil® OC3 printer.In several exemplary embodiments, the printer 18 is in two-waycommunication or one-way communication with the portable computingdevice 21. In several exemplary embodiments, the printer 18 is inwireless communication with the portable computing device 21 over, forexample, short length radio waves. In several exemplary embodiments, thecommunication between the printer 18 and the portable computing device21 is secured by an encryption protocol. In an exemplary embodiment, theprinter 18 is attached by a printer cable or a universal serial buscable to the portable computing device 21. In other exemplaryembodiments, the printer 18 has a built-in network interface, such as awireless network interface.

The card reader 20 is in communication with the portable computingdevice 21 and/or the printer 18. In several exemplary embodiments, thecard reader 20 is incorporated into the portable computing device 21. Inan exemplary embodiment, the card reader 20 includes a magnetic stripescanner. In several exemplary embodiments, the card reader 20 and theportable computing device 21 are a single unit. In other embodiments,the card reader 20 and the portable computing device 21 are separateunits in wired or wireless communication with one another.

The portable computing device 21 includes a processor, a computerreadable medium having a plurality of instructions stored therein forexecution by the processor, a user interface and an input device, suchas softkeys, a stylus, or a touchscreen. In an exemplary embodiment, theportable computing device 21 is a personal digital assistant. In anexemplary embodiment, the portable computing device 21 is a Motorola®MC75 personal digital assistant.

In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 2 with continuingreference to FIG. 1 , the agent application 16, via the portablecomputing device 21, can accept inputs such as: Login, Logout, CollectFee, Retrieve Passenger Information, Retrieve Flight Information,Upgrade, Check Bags, Manage Messages, Stand By, Access the Check-InService 32, Retrieve Flight List, Retrieve Passenger List, Activate theCard Reader 20, and Activate the Printer 18.

The agent application 16 is loaded on the portable computing device 21,and is operably coupled to and in communication with the agent webservice 22, the printer 18, and the card reader 20. In an exemplaryembodiment, the agent web service 22 is in two-way communication and/orwireless communication with the agent application 16 via the connectionservice 24. The agent web service 22 is in two-way communication withone or more of the data source 26, the data web service 30, and thecheck-in service 32 via the connection service 24. In several exemplaryembodiments, the connection service 24 operably couples the agent webservice 22 to one or more of the data source 26, the data web service30, and the check-in service 32 via a network, such as, for example, theInternet, any type of local area network, any type of wide area network,any type of wireless network, any type of voice network, any type ofdata network, and/or any combination thereof.

Referring now to FIG. 3A, during operation in an exemplary embodiment,the agent application 16 is loaded and installed onto the portablecomputing device 21, which is handled by a ticket agent 36.

The agent application 16 provides operational information and decisionsupport to the ticket agent 36. In an exemplary embodiment, the agentapplication 16 allows the ticket agent 36 to check-in passengers andbaggage from remote locations away from a ticketing counter orself-serve check-in kiosk, such as, for example, a car valet line at theairport, an airport parking lot, or a location outside of an airportsuch as a home or office. The portable computing device 21 allows theticket agent 36 to remotely login and logout of the agent web service 22and the data source 26. The portable computing device 21 allows theticket agent 36 to receive electronic messages, load flight information,offer upgrades, offer drink tickets, offer meal tickets, and collectfees from passengers at locations remote from a ticketing counter. Theportable computing device 21 allows the passenger to check-in fortravel, check bags, choose seats, purchase upgrades, and receive drinkand/or meal tickets without approaching a ticking counter or self-servekiosk.

In an exemplary embodiment, the portable computing device 21 providesthe ticket agent 36 with a view of relevant passenger, ticketing, andflight data stored on the data source 26. The portable computing device21 receives data from the data source 26 via the application servermodule 14. In an exemplary embodiment, the passenger, ticketing, andflight data is updated on request in near real-time from the agent webservice 22 on the application server module 14. In an exemplaryembodiment, the passenger data includes passenger names, passportinformation, visa information, club member identification numbers,passenger number records, connecting flight information, and baggageinformation. In an exemplary embodiment, the portable computing device21 also retrieves or accesses passenger, ticketing, and flight datastored on the application server 14. In an exemplary embodiment, theticketing data includes departure times, seat assignments, gateinformation, messages to ticket agents about flights that areexperiencing some type of disruption (such as delays, mechanicalproblems, or crew problems), and baggage information. In an exemplaryembodiment, the flight information includes departure times, arrivaltimes, flight plans, gate information, upgrade purchase options forpassengers, and connecting passenger information.

The portable computing device 21 captures and sends check-in data to thedata source 26 for several passengers and pieces of baggage on a givenflight and alerts the ticket agent 36 if a flight disruption is expectedfor the passenger currently checking-in.

In several exemplary embodiments, the printer 18 produces a hard copy(permanent readable text and/or graphics) of the data stored inelectronic form on, and/or transmitted by, the portable computing device21. In an exemplary embodiment, this hard copy is printed on acontinuous feed of adhesive label affixed to a backing strip. Theprinter 18 creates a unitary printout 38 to be given to the passengerthat contains one or more baggage claim tags, baggage identificationtags, baggage payment or fee receipts, and boarding passes (shown inFIG. 4 ).

The ticket agent 36 swipes a payment card 37 such as, for example, acredit card or debit card, provided by a passenger through the cardreader 20 in order to charge that passenger for any ticket upgrades,seat changes, and checked baggage.

Referring now to FIG. 3B, the user interface of the portable computingdevice 21 is displayed to the ticket agent 36. The user interface allowsthe ticket agent 36 to log onto the agent application 16 and to enterthe passenger's identification information in the text boxes 21A. In oneembodiment, the passenger's identification information is scanneddirectly into the portable computing device 21 from the passenger'spassport, driver's license, frequent flyer membership card, or othertype of identification document by a scanner that is part of orotherwise in communication with the portable computing device 21. Thescanned identification is loaded automatically into the text boxes 21A.A button 21B is clicked or otherwise selected, thereby sending thepassenger information from the boxes 21A to the agent web service 22 tobe matched with passenger data stored in the data source 26.

Referring now to FIG. 3C, the relevant passenger travel information isretrieved from the data source 26 and displayed on the user interface ofthe portable computing device 21. In an exemplary embodiment, the userinterface displays a passenger list 21C containing the first and lastname of the passenger. The list 21C also contains a drop down list 21D,which allows the ticket agent 36 to select the number of bags thepassenger will check. In an exemplary embodiment, the user interfacedisplays a list 21E, which contains the origin and destination locationsassociated with the passenger's complete travel plans. In an exemplaryembodiment, the user interface displays a list 21F containing theflight(s) the passenger will be taking to reach his or her destination,along with the flight(s) estimated times of departure and/or arrival. Abutton 21G is clicked or otherwise selected, thereby sending a commandto the check-in service 32 to check in the passenger for the passenger'sflight(s).

Referring now to FIG. 3D, the user interface of the portable computingdevice 21 gives the option to the ticket agent 36 to charge for checkedbaggage, waive a checked baggage fee, or gate-check baggage. Moreparticularly, the user interface displays a drop down list 21H, whichallows the ticket agent to select from a list of passengers to chargefor checked baggage. Further, the user interface displays a box 211,which shows the credit card number and expiration date associated withthe charge for the checked baggage. In an exemplary embodiment, thiscredit card data is obtained from the credit card 37 by swiping thecredit card 37 into the portable card reader 20. A button 21J is clickedor otherwise selected, sending a command to the agent web service 22 toupdate the passenger information stored in the data source 26 with thecheck baggage information.

Referring now to FIG. 3E, the user interface of the portable computingdevice 21 displays a box 21K, which shows the network address or otheridentifier associated with the printer 18. The box 21K may also displaya check box that may be manipulated by the ticked agent 36 based onwhether or not baggage has been checked. In an exemplary embodiment, ifthe check box in box 21K is not activated, the printer 18 will not printthe baggage identification tags or claim tags portions of the printoutgiven to the passenger. In an exemplary embodiment, the user interfacedisplays a box 21L, which allows the ticket agent 36 to select a printerother than the printer 18 associated with the ticket agent 36; forexample, a printer associated with another ticket agent. A button 21M isclicked or otherwise selected, sending a command to the printer 18 toprint a receipt for the credit card transaction, print one or morebaggage claim tags, print one or more baggage identification tags, aboarding pass, and/or any combination thereof for the passenger.

Referring now to FIG. 4 , a unitary printout 38 is created by theprinter 18, the unitary printout 38 including: one or more baggage claimtags 40, a baggage identification tag 42, a baggage payment or feereceipt 44, and a boarding pass 46. If more than one baggage piece ischecked by a passenger, more than one baggage claim tag 40 is includedon the unitary printout 38, and the printer 18 may print additionalbaggage identification tags 42 on the unitary printout 38, or onseparate printouts.

In several exemplary embodiments, each of the one or more baggage claimtags 40, the baggage identification tag 42, the baggage payment or feereceipt 44, and the boarding pass 46 includes machine readable code,such as a bar code, and these codes are printed by the printer 18. In anexemplary embodiment, a least a portion of the machine readable codeprovides identical information when read from one of the baggage claimtags 40, the baggage identification tag 42, the fee receipt 44, or theboarding pass 46. The machine readable code on the boarding pass 46 isdesigned to be machine-scanned at the vehicle boarding point,authorizing the passenger to board the vehicle. The machine readablecode on the baggage identification tag 42 is designed to be scanned andread at the vehicle baggage loading point. The machine readable code onthe one or more baggage claim tags 40 is designed to be scanned and readat the vehicle loading point or baggage pick-up point to matchpassengers with their baggage. In several exemplary embodiments, insteadof, or in addition to machine readable code, each of the one or morebaggage claim tags 40, the baggage identification tag 42, the baggagepayment or fee receipt 44, and the boarding pass 46 includes other datasuch as, for example, other code, graphics, text, and/or any combinationthereof, all of which, or one or more portions of which, are included onthe unitary printout 38.

As shown in FIG. 4 , the baggage claim tags 40, the baggageidentification tag 42, the baggage payment or fee receipt 44, and theboarding pass 46 are printed on respective portions of the paper medium.In several exemplary embodiments, the paper medium includes an adhesiveaffixed to a backing strip so that the baggage claim tags 40, thebaggage identification tag 42, the baggage payment or fee receipt 44,and the boarding pass 46 are printed on respective portions of theadhesive label, with any one of the portions being permitted to bepeeled off from the backing strip while the remaining portions remainaffixed to the backing strip. In several exemplary embodiments,perforations in the adhesive label, cuts in the adhesive label, linesprinted on the adhesive label, and/or any combination thereof, definethe respective portions of the adhesive of the unitary printout 38 onwhich the baggage claim tags 40, the baggage identification tag 42, thebaggage payment or fee receipt 44, and the boarding pass 46 are printed.

In an exemplary embodiment, the boarding pass 46 on the unitary printout38 includes a seat assignment printed thereon, a machine readable codeprinted thereon, that represents a seat assignment, and/or anycombination thereof.

Referring now to FIG. 5 , with continuing reference to FIGS. 1-4 , anexample operational process 70 using the system 10 for handlingpassengers and baggage for vehicle travel in one embodiment is shown. Atstep 72, a passenger arrives at a terminal and engages a ticket agent 36at a check-in position. The passenger may be pre-ticketed or may need topurchase a ticket for travel. The passenger may arrive with baggageassociated with the passenger, including baggage to be checked,potential checked baggage, or carry-on baggage. At step 74, thepassenger presents identification to the ticket agent 36. In oneembodiment, the ticket agent 36 logs onto the agent application 16 usingthe user interface of the portable computing device 21 and enters thepassenger's identification information. In another embodiment, thepassenger's identification information is scanned directly into theportable computing device 21 from the passenger's identification by ascanner that is part of and/or in communication with the portablecomputing device 21. At step 76, the information is sent by the portablecomputing device 21 to the agent web service 22 to be matched withpassenger data stored on the data source 26. Once a match is found, therelevant passenger travel information is retrieved from the data source26 and displayed on the portable computing device 21 to the ticket agent36. In one embodiment, the data that is retrieved is passenger, flight,and ticketing information, including information regarding thepassenger's intended flight leaving the airport and any connectingflights for that passenger. At step 78, any messages associated with thepassenger travel information stored on the data source 26 are retrievedand sent to the portable computing device 21. In one embodiment, thesemessages may include delay messages associated with departing flights.In another embodiment, these messages are security-related messages,such as messages indicating the passenger's selection for additionalsecurity screening.

At step 80, the ticket agent 36 uses the agent application 16 on theportable computing device 21 to view the travel upgrades, seat choices,alternate flights, and other travel offers available to the passenger.At step 82, the potential upgrades choices are presented to thepassenger by the ticket agent 36. In one embodiment, these upgradechoices include boarding priority upgrades, service class upgrades,traveler lounge upgrades, meal upgrades, and other upgrades. In severalexemplary embodiments, the upgrade offerings are subject to predefinedparameters, tolerances and preferences that limit or restrict theelectibility of certain upgrades. If the passenger desires to takeadvantage of the upgrade, in step 84, the ticket agent 36 uses the agentapplication 16 to input the upgrade. The agent application 16 thencommunicates with the agent web service 22 to update the passengerinformation stored in the data source 26 with the upgrade information.If the passenger does not request an upgrade, the process 70 moves tostep 86.

In the step 86, seat assignment and potential seat change informationassociated with the passenger's flight is presented to the passenger bythe ticket agent 36. If the passenger desires to take advantage of aseat change or does not yet have a seat assignment, in step 88, theticket agent 36 uses the agent application 16 to indicate the seatassignment or seat change. The agent application 16 then communicateswith the agent web service 22 to update the passenger information storedin the data source 26 with the seat assignment or seat changeinformation. If the passenger does not request a seat change and alreadyhas a seat assignment, the process 70 moves to step 90.

In the step 90, the passenger presents any baggage that he or she wishesto check. In an exemplary embodiment, the ticket agent 36 stands near ascale or a baggage sizer designed to help the passenger and the ticketagent 36 determine if a certain size or weight bag must be checked underairline rules. If the passenger desires to check one or more bags, instep 92, the ticket agent 36 uses the agent application 16 to indicatethe number and type of bags to check. The agent application 16 thencommunicates with the agent web service to 22 update the passengerinformation stored in the data source 26 with the check baggageinformation. If the passenger does not check baggage, the process 70moves to step 94.

In the step 94, the ticket agent 36 charges the passenger for the ticket(if not pre-ticketed), upgrades, seat changes, and checked baggage (ifany) using a payment method. In one embodiment, the passenger provideshis credit card 37 to the ticket agent 36, and the card 37 is swipedinto the portable card reader 20 that is part of and/or in communicationwith the portable computing device 21. The card reader 20 takes the dataobtained form the magnetic stripe of the card 27 and verifies the datawith a payment processor gateway in communication with the applicationserver 14.

In other exemplary embodiments, upgrades, seat changes, and checked bagsmay be assigned to the passenger by the ticket agent 36 without charge,or may be purchased by the passenger by using a pre-paid deposit accountor frequent flyer miles associated with the relevant passengerinformation stored in the data source 26.

At step 96, the portable computing device 21 sends a command to thecheck-in service 32 to check in the passenger for the passenger'sflight. The agent web service 22 updates the data source 26 with thedata generated during the process 70 for the completed check-intransaction.

At step 98, the portable computing device 21 generates a networkcommunication, sending one or more commands to the printer 18 to printthe baggage payment or fee receipt 44 for the credit card transaction(if applicable), print the one or more baggage claim tags 40 (ifapplicable), print the one or more baggage identification tags 42 (ifapplicable), and the boarding pass 46 for the passenger, all on theunitary printout 38. In an exemplary embodiment, the baggage claim tags40, the baggage identification tags 42, the fee receipt 44, and theboarding pass 46 are printed on an adhesive label affixed to a backingstrip. In one embodiment, the adhesive labels may be partiallypre-printed.

In several exemplary embodiments, at the step 98, instead of, or inaddition to generating a network communication to thereby send the oneor more commands to the printer 18 via, for example, an open wirelessprotocol such as Bluetooth °, another network communication is generatedthat enables at least the baggage claim tags 40, the baggageidentification tags 42, the baggage payment or fee receipt 44, and theboarding pass 46 to be displayed on an output device other than theprinter 18 and thus viewed by the passenger. More particularly, inseveral exemplary embodiments, the network communication generated inthe step 98 is a communication established by a telephone dialer, acommunication established by an email server, a communicationestablished by an internet server, a communication established by avoice XML, server, and/or any combination thereof, and the output deviceon which the baggage claim tags 40, the baggage identification tags 42,the baggage payment or fee receipt 44, and the boarding pass 46 areenabled to be displayed by the network communication is the display orother output device of a smartphone, a cell phone, a personal digitalassistant, a tablet computer, or another type of computing device. In anexemplary embodiment, the display of the boarding pass 46 on the outputdevice, which is enabled by the network communication, is subsequentlyscanned or otherwise read by a gate agent directly from the outputdevice, and thus authorizes the passenger to board the airplane. In anexemplary embodiment, the display of the one or more baggage claim tags40 on the output device, which is enabled by the network communication,is subsequently scanned or otherwise read by a baggage agent directlyfrom the output device, so that the passenger can claim his or herassociated baggage.

At step 100, the unitary printout 38 is given to the passenger. In anexemplary embodiment, the ticket agent 36 peels off the respectiveportions of the adhesive on which the baggage identification tags 42 areprinted from the printout 38, and attaches them to the passenger'schecked baggage, while the respective portions of the adhesive on whichthe baggage claim tags 40, the receipt 44 and the boarding pass 46 areprinted remain affixed to the backing strip of the unitary printout 38.The unitary printout 38, which now includes the receipt 44, the baggageclaim tags 40, and the boarding pass 46, is retained by the passenger.The boarding pass 46 authorizes the passenger to board the airplane,being used by the passenger to pass security and to present at theairport gate to board the airplane.

In several exemplary embodiments, the data on the portable computingdevice 21 are continuously updated by the agent web service 22throughout the passenger's engagement time with the ticket agent 36. Insome such exemplary embodiments, the varying conditions reflected byupdates to the portable computing device 21 by the data source 26 resultin changing flight information, and changing availability of upgradesand seats. In some such exemplary embodiments, although the process 70focuses on one portable computing device 21 at a time and conducts apassenger check-in operation with respect to the passenger engaged withthat ticket agent 36, the data that is associated with the passengerchecking-in also reflects conditions and circumstances relating to otherpassengers' travel data. Thus, in such exemplary embodiments, any changeto the travel data of the passenger will potentially cause the change inavailability of certain upgrades and seat availability presented byother baggage or ticket agents 36 taking part in the process 70 withother passengers on the same flight or at the same airport.

Referring now to FIG. 6 , during operation in an exemplary embodiment,the agent application 16 loaded on the portable computing device 21allows a baggage agent 104 to check-in baggage 105 carried by and thusassociated with a passenger 106 from remote locations away from aticketing counter or self-serve check-in kiosk. In an exemplaryembodiment, the passenger 106 obtains a boarding pass 107 using aprinter prior to arriving at the airport, a self-serve check-in kiosk ora ticket agent at a ticket counter and carries the boarding pass 107with him or her to the security screening area.

The portable computing device 21 allows the baggage agent 104 to receiveelectronic messages, load flight information, offer upgrades, andcollect baggage fees from the passenger 106. In an exemplary embodiment,the passenger 106 with the baggage 105 to check does not need toapproach a ticket counter to receive a boarding pass, and instead mayproceed toward the security screening area. In this exemplaryembodiment, the portable computing device 21 allows the passenger 106 tocheck the baggage 105 and purchase upgrades without approaching aticketing counter or self-serve kiosk.

The portable computing device 21 allows the baggage agent 104 toremotely login and logout of the agent web service 22 and the datasource 26. In an exemplary embodiment, the portable computing device 21provides the baggage agent 104 with a view of relevant passenger,ticketing, and flight data stored on the data source 26. In an exemplaryembodiment, the portable computing device 21 also retrieves or accessespassenger, ticketing, and flight data stored on the application server14. In an exemplary embodiment, the passenger, ticketing, and flightdata is updated on request in near real-time from the agent web service22 on the application server module 14. In an exemplary embodiment, thepassenger data includes passenger names, passport information, visainformation, club member identification numbers, passenger numberrecords, connecting flight information, and baggage information. In anexemplary embodiment, the ticketing data includes departure times, seatassignments, gate information, messages to ticket agents about flightsthat are experiencing some type of disruption (such as delays,mechanical problems, or crew problems), and baggage information. In anexemplary embodiment, the flight information includes departure times,arrival times, flight plans, gate information, upgrade purchase optionsfor passengers, and connecting passenger information.

In several exemplary embodiments, the printer 18 produces a hard copy(permanent readable text and/or graphics) of data stored in electronicform on the portable computing device, for example, on a continuous feedof adhesive label paper with a removable backing. In an exemplaryembodiment, the printer 18 is attached by a printer cable or a universalserial bus cable to the portable computing device. In other exemplaryembodiments, the printer 18 has a built-in network interfaces, such as awireless interface. In an exemplary embodiment, the printer 18 createsthe unitary printout 38 to be given to the passenger that contains oneor more baggage claim tags, a baggage identification tag, and a feereceipt (shown in FIG. 7 ).

The baggage agent 104 swipes the credit card 37 provided by thepassenger 106 through the card reader 20 in order to charge thepassenger 106 for any ticket upgrades, seat changes, and checkedbaggage.

In several exemplary embodiments, a baggage sizer 108 is used todetermine whether or not the dimensions of the baggage 105 exceed acertain threshold.

Referring now to FIG. 7 , the printer 18 provides the passenger 106 withthe unitary printout 38 including: the one or more baggage claim tags40, the baggage identification tag 42, and the receipt 44. If more thanone baggage piece is checked by the passenger 106, more than one baggageclaim tag 40 is printed on the unitary printout 38, and the printer 18may print additional baggage identification tags 42 on the unitaryprintout 38, or on separate printouts.

In several exemplary embodiments, each of the one or more baggage claimtags 40, the baggage identification tag 42, and the fee receipt 44, hasmachine readable code, such as a bar code, printed on them by theprinter 18. In an exemplary embodiment, at least a portion of themachine readable code provides identical information when read from oneof the baggage claim tags 40, the baggage identification tag 42, or thefee receipt 44. The machine readable code on the baggage identificationtag 42 is designed to be scanned and read at the vehicle baggage loadingpoint. The machine readable code on the one or more baggage claim tags40 is designed to be scanned and read at the vehicle loading point orbaggage pick-up point to match the passenger 106 with their baggage 105.

Referring now to FIG. 8 , with continuing reference to FIGS. 1-7 , anexample operational process 130 for handling passengers 106 and baggage105 for vehicle travel in one embodiment is shown. At step 132, apassenger 106 arrives at a terminal and bypasses the ticketing counteror self-self kiosk to engage the baggage agent 104 at a position in theairport. In an exemplary embodiment, the position may be prior toentering the security screening area. In another exemplary embodiment,the position may be waiting in the queue at a security screening area.In another exemplary embodiment, the position may be near the boardingarea and gate.

The passenger arrives with a boarding pass 107 and may arrive with thebaggage 105 to be checked or potential checked baggage 105. At step 134,the passenger 106 presents his or her boarding pass 107 or otheridentification to the baggage agent 104. In one embodiment, the baggageagent 104 logs onto the agent application 16 using the user interface ofthe portable computing device 21 and enters the passenger'sidentification information. In another embodiment, the passenger'sidentification information is scanned into the portable computing device21 from the boarding pass 107 or other identification by a scanner thatis part of and/or in communication with to the portable computing device21. At step 76, the passenger's information is sent by the portablecomputing device 21 to the agent web service 22 to be matched withpassenger data stored on the data source 26. Once a match is found, therelevant passenger travel information is retrieved from the data source26 and displayed on the portable computing device 21 to the baggageagent 104. In one embodiment, the data that is retrieved is passenger,flight, and ticketing information, including information regarding thepassenger's intended flight leaving the airport and any connectingflights for the passenger 106. At step 138, any messages associated withthe passenger data stored on the data source 36 are retrieved from thedata source 36 and sent to the portable computing device 21. In oneembodiment, these messages may include delay messages associated withthe relevant departing flights. In another embodiment, these messagesare security-related messages, such as messages indicating thepassenger's selection for additional security screening.

In step 139, the passenger 106 presents any baggage 105 that he or shewishes to check. If the passenger does not have baggage that he or sheindicates a desire to check, the process 130 moves to step 140.

At the step 140, the passenger presents any baggage 105 that the baggageagent 104 requests be sized and potentially checked. In an exemplaryembodiment, the baggage agent 104 stands near a scale or the baggagesizer 108 designed to help the passenger 106 and the baggage agent 104determine if a certain size or weight of bag must be checked underairline rules. In the step 142, it is determined whether or not thebaggage 105 is oversized or overweight, and must be checked according toairline rules. If the baggage 105 is not oversized or overweight, theprocess 130 ends at step 143. If the baggage 105 is oversized, theprocess 130 moves to the step 144.

If the passenger 106 has baggage 105 to check, the process 130 moves tostep 144. At the step 144, the baggage agent 104 uses the agentapplication 16 to indicate the number of bags to check. The agentapplication 16 then communicates with the agent web service 22 to updatethe passenger information stored in the data source 26 with the checkedbaggage information.

In the step 146, the baggage agent 104 charges the passenger 106 forchecked baggage using a payment method. In one embodiment, the passenger106 provides his or her credit card 37 to the baggage agent 104, and thecard 37 is swiped into a portable card reader 20 that is part of and/orin communication with the portable computing device 21. The card reader20 takes the data obtained from the magnetic stripe on the card 37 andverifies the data with a payment processor gateway in communication withthe application server 14. In other exemplary embodiments, checked bagsmay be assigned to the passenger 106 by the baggage agent 104 at nocharge, or purchased by the passenger 106 by using a pre-paid depositaccount or frequent flyer miles associated with his passengerinformation stored in the data source 26. Also at the step 146, theagent web service 22 updates the data source 26 with the data generatedduring the process 130 for the completed the check-in transaction.

At step 147, the portable computing device 21 sends a command to theprinter 18 to print a fee receipt 44 for the passenger's credit cardtransaction (if applicable), print one or more baggage claim tags 40 (ifapplicable), and print one or more baggage identification tags 42 (ifapplicable) for the passenger 106 all of the unitary printout 38. In anexemplary embodiment, the baggage identification tags 42 and fee receipt44 are printed on an adhesive label with a backing strip. In oneembodiment, the adhesive labels may be partially pre-printed.

At step 148, the unitary printout 38 is given to the passenger 106. Inan exemplary embodiment, the baggage agent 104 peels off the baggageidentification tags 42 from the printout 38 and attaches them to thepassenger's baggage 105. The unitary printout 38, which now includes thereceipt 44 and baggage claim tags 40, is retained by the passenger 106.

In several exemplary embodiments, the data on the portable computingdevice 21 are continuously updated by the agent web service 22throughout the passenger's engagement time with the baggage agent 104.In some such exemplary embodiments, the varying conditions reflected byupdates to the portable computing device 21 by the data source 26 resultin changing flight information, and changing availability of upgradesand seats. In some such exemplary embodiments, although the process 130focuses on one portable computing device 21 at a time and conducts apassenger check-in operation with respect to the passenger 106 engagedwith that baggage agent 104, the data that is associated with thepassenger checking-in also reflects conditions and circumstancesrelating to other passenger's travel data. Thus, in such exemplaryembodiments, any change to the travel data of the passenger 106 willpotentially cause the change in availability of certain upgrades andseat availability presented by other baggage agents 104 or ticket agents36 taking part in the process 70 and/or the process 130 with otherpassengers on the same flight or at the same airport.

Referring now to FIG. 9 , an example operation 150 illustrating thecommunication between the different components of the system 10 FIG. 1during the process 130 of FIG. 8 is shown, according to an exemplaryembodiment. The portions of the operation performed by the printer 18are shown in the first column; the portions of the operation performedby the agent application 16 are shown in the second column; the portionsof the operation performed by the agent web service 22 are shown in thethird column; and the portions of the check-in service are shown in thefourth column.

At step 154, the baggage agent 104 selects “Check Bags” from the mainmenu of the agent application on the portable computing device 21. Atstep 156, the baggage agent 104 scans the boarding pass 107 or othertype of identification document, or enters the last name, first name,flight number, and number of bags for the passenger 106. At step 158,the baggage agent clicks “Check-In Bags” on the portable computingdevice 21.

At step 160, the agent application 16 sends the entered information tothe agent web service 22, which validates the login of the baggage agent104 and then verifies the proper electronic cookies on the portablecomputing device 21. At step 162, the agent web service 22 determineswhether or not the time is too early to check in the baggage 105. If itis too early to check-in baggage 105, the operation moves to step 164.At the step 164 the operation 150 is ended to be repeated at a latertime. If it is not too early to check in bags, the operation moves tostep 166.

At the step 166, the agent web service 22 sends a request to thecheck-in service 32 to retrieve the reservation details for thepassenger 106. At step 168, the check-in service 32 responds byretrieving data related to baggage already checked-in by the passenger106 (if any). In an exemplary embodiment, the check-in service 32retrieves this data via the data web service 30. At step 170, the agentweb service 22 sends a request to the check-in service 32 to retrieve afee. In an exemplary embodiment, the check-in service 32 retrieves thisfee via the data web service 30. At step 172, the check-in service 32provides the fee to the web service 22.

At step 174, the agent web service 22 determines whether the fee isapplicable to the passenger 106. In several exemplary embodiments, thefee may not be applicable to the passenger 106 if the passenger 106 istraveling under a certain class of service, if the passenger 106 has acertain frequent flyers status, if the passenger has accrued sufficientpoints or miles to redeem in exchange for paying the fee, or if thebaggage agent 106 decides the fee is not applicable. At step 176, thefee is displayed on the screen by the agent application 16. At step 178,the baggage agent selects “Make Payment” on the agent application 16 andswipes the credit card 34 provided by the passenger 106.

At step 180, the web service 22 sends a request to the check-in service32 to check in the baggage 105. At step 182, the check-in service 32confirms the number of bags checked back to the web service 22. At step184, the web service 22 generates the print data or receives the printdata associated with new baggage identification and baggage claim tagsand sends the data to the agent application 16. At step 186, the agentapplication 16 sends the print data over a Bluetooth protocol to theprinter 18.

At step 188, the printer 18 initializes the Bluetooth stack and pairswith the printing device. At step 190, the printer opens a COM port. Atstep 192, the printer 18 writes the print data to the COM port,producing a hard copy of the baggage identification tags, baggage claimstags, and the credit card receipt.

At the step 194, the agent application 16 displays “PrintingSuccessful?,” “Yes” and “No” buttons, and a re-print button on thescreen of the portable computing device 21. At step 196, the baggageagent 104 presses the “Yes” button and the web services application 22sends an acknowledgement to the check-in service 32.

It is understood by those having skill in the art that one or more(including all) of the elements/steps of the present disclosure may beimplemented using software executed on a general purpose computer systemor networked computer systems, using special purpose hardware-basedcomputer systems, or using combinations of special purpose hardware andsoftware.

Referring to FIG. 10 , an illustrative node 200 for implementing one ormore embodiments of the present disclosure is depicted. The node 200includes a microprocessor 202, an input device 204, a storage device206, a video controller 208, a system memory 210, an output device suchas, for example, a display 214, and a communication device 216, all ofwhich are operably coupled to one another by one or more buses 212. Thestorage device 206 could include any type of computer readable medium.The storage device 206 could be a floppy drive, hard drive, CD-ROM,optical drive, or any other form of storage device. In addition, thestorage device 206 may be capable of receiving a floppy disk, CD-ROM,DVD-ROM, or any other form of computer-readable medium that may containcomputer-executable instructions. Further, the communication device 216could be a modem, network card, or any other device to enable the nodeto communicate with other nodes. It is understood that any node couldrepresent a plurality of interconnected (whether by intranet orInternet) computer systems, including without limitation, personalcomputers, mainframes, PDAs, and cell phones. In several exemplaryembodiments, the node 200 and/or one or more components thereof,including one or more of the microprocessor 202, the input device 204,the storage device 206, the video controller 208, the system memory 210,the display 214, and the communication device 216, and/or anycombination thereof, are distributed throughout the system 10 and/or oneor more components thereof, and/or any combination thereof. In severalexemplary embodiments, one or more of the components of the system 10is, includes, or is part of, the node 200 and/or one or more componentsthereof. The entire disclosure of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/752,625,filed Apr. 1, 2010, is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

A computer system typically includes at least hardware capable ofexecuting machine readable instructions, as well as the software forexecuting acts (typically machine-readable instructions) that produce adesired result. In addition, a computer system may include hybrids ofhardware and software, as well as computer sub-systems.

Hardware generally includes at least processor-capable platforms, suchas client-machines (also known as personal computers or servers), andhand-held processing devices (such as smart phones, portable computingdevices, or personal computing devices (PCDs), for example). Further,hardware may include any physical device that is capable of storingmachine-readable instructions, such as memory or other data storagedevices. Other forms of hardware include hardware sub-systems, includingtransfer devices such as modems, modem cards, ports, and port cards, forexample.

Software includes any machine code stored in any memory medium, such asRAM or ROM, and machine code stored on other devices (such as floppydisks, flash memory, or a CD ROM, for example). Software may includesource or object code, for example. In addition, software encompassesany set of instructions capable of being executed in a client machine orserver.

Combinations of software and hardware could also be used for providingenhanced functionality and performance for certain embodiments of thepresent disclosure. One example is to directly manufacture softwarefunctions into a silicon chip. Accordingly, it should be understood thatcombinations of hardware and software are also included within thedefinition of a computer system and are thus envisioned by the presentdisclosure as possible equivalent structures and equivalent methods.

Computer-readable mediums include passive data storage, such as a randomaccess memory (RAM) as well as semi-permanent data storage such as acompact disk read only memory (CD-ROM). In addition, an embodiment ofthe present disclosure may be embodied in the RAM of a computer totransform a standard computer into a new specific computing machine.

Data structures are defined organizations of data that may enable anembodiment of the present disclosure. For example, a data structure mayprovide an organization of data, or an organization of executable code.

The system may be designed to work on any specific architecture. Forexample, the system may be executed on a single computer, local areanetworks, client-server networks, wide area networks, internets,hand-held and other portable and wireless devices and networks.

It is understood that variations may be made in the foregoing withoutdeparting from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, insteadof, or in addition to transportation transactions often conducted in thecourse of airline industry business, aspects of the present disclosureare applicable and/or readily adaptable to transportation transactionsconducted in other industries, including rail, bus, cruise and othertravel or shipping industries, rental car industries, hotels and otherhospitality industries, entertainment industries, and other industries.

In several exemplary embodiments, the elements and teachings of thevarious illustrative exemplary embodiments may be combined in whole orin part in some or all of the illustrative exemplary embodiments. Inaddition, one or more of the elements and teachings of the variousillustrative exemplary embodiments may be omitted, at least in part,and/or combined, at least in part, with one or more of the otherelements and teachings of the various illustrative embodiments. Inseveral exemplary embodiments, while different steps, processes, andprocedures are described as appearing as distinct acts, one or more ofthe steps, one or more of the processes, and/or one or more of theprocedures may also be performed in different orders, simultaneouslyand/or sequentially. In several exemplary embodiments, the steps,processes and/or procedures may be merged into one or more steps,processes and/or procedures.

In several exemplary embodiments, one or more of the operational stepsin each embodiment may be omitted. Moreover, in some instances, somefeatures of the present disclosure may be employed without acorresponding use of the other features. Moreover, one or more of theabove-described embodiments and/or variations may be combined in wholeor in part with any one or more of the other above-described embodimentsand/or variations.

Although several exemplary embodiments have been described in detailabove, the embodiments described are exemplary only and are notlimiting, and those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that manyother modifications, changes and/or substitutions are possible in theexemplary embodiments without materially departing from the novelteachings and advantages of the present disclosure. Accordingly, allsuch modifications, changes and/or substitutions are intended to beincluded within the scope of this disclosure as defined in the followingclaims. In the claims, means-plus-function clauses are intended to coverthe structures described herein as performing the recited function andnot only structural equivalents, but also equivalent structures.

What is claimed is:
 1. A printer apparatus, the printer apparatuscomprising: a portable printer, the portable printer comprising awearable housing; a paper medium disposed in the wearable housing, thepaper medium comprising an adhesive label and a backing strip to whichthe adhesive label is affixed, the adhesive label defining first andsecond edges spaced in a parallel relation, the adhesive labelcomprising first, second, and third portions affixed to the backingstrip, wherein each of the first, second, and third portions ispermitted to be peeled off from the backing strip while the others ofthe first, second, and third portions remain affixed to the backingstrip, wherein the first, second, and third portions each have the samewidth, wherein the first portion defines first and second segments ofthe first and second edges, respectively, the first and second segmentseach having the same length, wherein the second portion defines thirdand fourth segments of the first and second edges, respectively, thethird and fourth segments each having the same length, wherein the thirdportion defines fifth and sixth segments of the first and second edges,respectively, the fifth and sixth segments each having the same length,wherein the first, third, and fifth segments of the first edge areco-linear and the second, fourth, and sixth segments of the second edgeare co-linear, wherein the co-linear first, third, and fifth segments ofthe first edge are spaced in a parallel relation from the co-linearsecond, fourth, and sixth segments of the second edge, wherein a firstone of a perforation, cut, or line is formed in the adhesive label,extends between the first and second edges of the adhesive label, and atleast partially defines at least one of the first, second, and thirdportions, wherein a second one of a perforation, cut, or line is formedin the adhesive label, extends between the first and second edges of theadhesive label, and at least partially defines at least one other of thefirst, second, and third portions, wherein one of the first, second, andthird portions extends between the first one of the perforation, cut, orline and the second one of the perforation, cut, or line; a handheldcomputing device in communication with the printer; and a portable cardreader in communication with one, or both, of the handheld computingdevice and the portable printer, the card reader being configured toread a payment card; wherein the handheld computing device comprises oneor more processors, a computer readable medium having a plurality ofinstructions stored thereon for execution by the one or more processors,an output device, and a graphical user interface that is displayed onthe output device when the instructions are executed by the one or moreprocessors, wherein the execution of the instructions causes thehandheld computing device to retrieve passenger, ticketing, and flightdata stored on an application server; and wherein, in response to aninput via the graphical user interface and based on the retrievedpassenger, ticketing, and flight data, the execution of the instructionscauses the handheld computing device to send a first command to theportable printer to print: a bag payment receipt on the third portion ofthe adhesive label of the paper medium, the bag payment receiptevidencing a baggage fee payment made with the payment card; a baggageidentification tag on the first portion of the adhesive label of thepaper medium, the baggage identification tag identifying at least onebag checked in by an airline passenger; and a baggage claim tag on thesecond portion of the adhesive label of the paper medium, the baggageclaim tag being associated with the at least one bag checked in by theairline passenger.
 2. The printer apparatus of claim 1, wherein theadhesive label comprises a fourth portion affixed to the backing strip,wherein the fourth portion is permitted to be peeled off from thebacking strip while the first, second, and third portions remain affixedto the backing strip, wherein the first, second, third, and fourthportions each have the same width, wherein the fourth portion definesseventh and eighth segments of the first and second edges, respectively,the seventh and eighth segments each having the same length, wherein thefirst, third, fifth, and seventh segments of the first edge areco-linear and the second, fourth, sixth, and eighth segments of thesecond edge are co-linear, wherein the co-linear first, third, fifth,and seventh segments of the first edge are spaced in a parallel relationfrom the co-linear second, fourth, sixth, and eighth segments of thesecond edge; and wherein the handheld computing device is configured tosend the first command to the portable printer to print: the bag paymentreceipt on the third portion of the adhesive label of the paper medium;the baggage identification tag on the first portion of the adhesivelabel of the paper medium; the baggage claim tag on the second portionof the adhesive label of the paper medium; and a boarding pass on thefourth portion of the adhesive label of the paper medium.
 3. The printerapparatus of claim 2, wherein the first portion of the adhesive label ispositioned between the second and third portions of the adhesive label,wherein the first one of the perforation, cut, or line at leastpartially defines the second portion, wherein the first portion extendsbetween the first one of the perforation, cut, or line and the secondone of the perforation, cut, or line, wherein the third portion extendsbetween the second one of the perforation, cut, or line and a third oneof a perforation, cut, or line, wherein the third one of theperforation, cut, or line extends between the first and second edges ofthe adhesive label, and at least partially defines the fourth portion ofthe adhesive label; and wherein, after the first command has been sentto the portable printer and the bag payment receipt, the baggageidentification tag, the baggage claim tag, and the boarding pass havebeen printed, on the adhesive label the baggage identification tag ispositioned between the baggage claim tag and the bag payment receipt,and the bag payment receipt is positioned between the baggageidentification tag and the boarding pass.
 4. The printer apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the first portion of the adhesive label is positionedbetween the second and third portions of the adhesive label, wherein thefirst one of the perforation, cut, or line at least partially definesthe second portion, wherein the first portion extends between the firstone of the perforation, cut, or line and the second one of theperforation, cut, or line, and wherein the second one of theperforation, cut, or line at least partially defines the third portion;and wherein, after the first command has been sent to the portableprinter and the bag payment receipt, the baggage identification tag, andthe baggage claim tag have been printed, on the adhesive label thebaggage identification tag is positioned between the baggage claim tagand the bag payment receipt.
 5. The printer apparatus of claim 1,wherein, as the first, second, and third portions of the adhesive labelare being printed on, the paper medium is fed out of the wearablehousing of the portable printer.
 6. The printer apparatus of claim 1,wherein the wearable housing is configured to be mounted on a belt thatis worn around a user's waist.